The War Spy

Mizuki's gardens

As soon as we got off the major roads, the scenery took my breath away. Even though I could only see the outer parts of the gardens as we followed the little roads heading inland, I couldn't help but feel at peace. Not only was I grateful that a complete stranger offererd me accomodation, I was grateful that I could see Japan. A few years back I was meant to be dispatched to Japan for a mission but it got canceld as I was about to board my flight. 

"Turn up the radio please," Declan asked the driver.

The taxi driver nodded.

"Scccrrhhh" the radio scratced as we lost signle driving through a dip in the road.

As the radio announcer talked the only word I recognised was Hyo which meant hail.

Without noticing my muscles became tensed, Declan touched my shoulder, which freightnend me since I was looking at the strom brewing outside.

"Nearly there Min-hee ." A thin smile crept onto my lips.

It was only another ten minutes before the car came to a halt and the taxi driver rushed out to offload our bags.

As I got out I turned slowly and observed a the garden from every angle.

It was a tranqual retreat, with plenty of green plants, formations of rocks and mini waterfalls flowing through them. The general layout of the garden was open, assemetric and natural looking with a long  koi fish pond.

The taxi driver interupted my thoughts as he hande me my bag.

"Here you go miss."

"Thank you for taking out my bag," I said with a slight excitement in my voice.

I could feel the first drops of rain tickling my cheeks.

"We got to hurry." Declan said.

In fast Japanese he pointed the taxi driver to the garage and invited him to stay the night. 

Declan and I walked fast over the moon bridge along the path, it got more beautiful with lanterns and grey colourd stones covered in moss and large trees with red foilage. The drops got heavier and then we broke into a jog until we were met by the receptionist.

"Mr Declan, good to see you." 

"Hey Rika, good to see you're still here, the gardens are looking great." Declan's affirmation made Rika smile with great appretiation. 

"Some tea for you?" A gentleman asked Declan.

"Yes please just the regular."

"Some tea miss?" Another younger girl asked me?

"Yes what would you recommend?"

"For you I would say Jasmin-cha."

"Okay then, thank you." I said in a higher voice tone.

"She must think you are sweet." Declan said.

I blushed.

Declan walked toward the couch and I followed him. Other workers came out to talk to him, sharing memories and laughing at his jokes. People did love his presence. 

The couch and most of the furnishings were made from bamboo and red, purple and pink flowered trees were painted in sequences on the walls.

Not long after our tea arrived we saw the taxi driver running in completly soaked. The hotel staff quickly handed him a towl and dried up the floor. 

"Miss Min-hee, would you like me to show you your room?" The girl who offered me tea asked.

"Certainly I could do with a nice shower."

Before we enetered the hallway Declan said.

"I will see you at dinner in about an hour? I will meet you here."

"That sounds lovely, see you in an hour." I smiled.